Nonetheless, the Trump administration should be considered from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. It perhaps most importantly had a massive impact domestically, as well as globally. President Donald Trump presided over perhaps the most consequential four years of policy in our lifetimes. Together, these initiatives reversed the course of American politics and the economy.
The council had a short lifespan, the Trump administration’s radical policy shift on trade, immigration, and healthcare was heavily influenced by their work. One major element of the administration’s economic strategy was giant tax cuts, passed in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to inject growth into the economy. These tax cuts were instrumental in reversing American economic decline. Their largesse powered a remarkably deep and wide economic boom in the two years immediately preceding the emergence of COVID-19.
Beyond economic policies, the administration’s zero tolerance immigration policy led to the criminalization and separation of immigrant families, prompting public outcry and civil disobedience. That plan included the same kind of family separations at the border. It aimed to ban immigration from a number of predominantly Muslim countries. These actions ignited immediate and vigorous condemnation from many key human rights organizations and leaders. They sharply illuminate the administration’s bracingly unifying effect on U.S. politics.
Internationally, the Trump administration also withdrew, or announced an intention to withdraw, from several agreements, such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal. These decisions were a component of a larger posturing strategy to put America first and redo the rules of engagement with other countries. Ultimately, the government levied tariffs on a myriad of countries, most notably China. This mistake kicked off a wave of trade tensions that is still affecting domestic and global markets.
The connection between the Trump White House and the press was one for the ages. There was great animosity on both sides. President Trump routinely maligned all of the big news organizations, calling them “fake news.” This adversarial dynamic, I think, really fueled this environment of mistrust and division within the public with regard to media coverage.
The Trump administration was forced to defend itself against numerous investigations and lawsuits throughout its tenure. These lawsuits encompassed both the former president’s 2016 electoral interference and subsequent presidential actions. These controversies only stoked the flames of an ethics and accountability in government fire that was already well-alight.
Additionally, the administration faced a series of high-profile departures that highlighted a culture of upheaval and discord within the leadership. Essentially, major figures departed over fundamental disagreements on policy. Their departures, each after challenging controversies in public, greatly added to the impression of an administration that is unstable.